RuPay Debit Card: Types, Features & Benefits

Here some of the top RuPay Debit Cards offered by various banks:

RuPay Debit Cards are offered under three variants with varied features and benefits. Here are the details regarding the same:

1. RuPay Platinum Debit Card: With RuPay Platinum, you can avail discounts from various merchants and earn cashback on utility bill payments along with easy cash withdrawal facility.
   
2. RuPay Classic Debit Card: This variant helps you to make the payment with exclusive merchant offers and can be used to withdraw money from a wide network of ATMs.
3. RuPay Select Debit Card: This variant caters to the need of customers who are seeking lifestyle-centric benefits, such as gyms, spas, wellness, etc.

Note: All three card variants at present are available under RuPay Global and are accepted at over 42.4 million PoS locations and over 1.90 million ATM locations in 200+ countries and territories worldwide.

If you want to avail RuPay Debit Cards, you must have a bank account with any of the providers that offer RuPay Debit Cards. Along with that, you need basic KYC documents like ID proof and address proof. The documents that are required to apply for a RuPay Card are mentioned below:

• Address Proof
• Identity Proof
• 2 passport size photographs

Note: A RuPay debit card can be availed by filling out a form at the respective bank branch.

Most of the banks offer debit cards whenever you open a savings account. However, if you haven’t received a debit card, you can apply for a RuPay Debit Card separately by filling out an application form. To do so, you can visit any of the nearest branches of the bank that you have an account with and submit the duly filled application form. Also, while applying for a debit card, make sure that you carry copies of your KYC documents that are needed for the verification. Besides this, you can also apply online for a RuPay Debit Card through the official website of the respective bank.

Must read: Best Rupay Credit Cards 2025

The transaction cost of RuPay Debit Card is very less when compared to the other debit card variants in the market such as Visa & MasterCard since the entire transaction process takes place on Indian premises. There’s greater reachability of these cards as customers living in rural areas with limited internet accessibility are also using them. Not only this, high transaction and withdrawal limit offers immense flexibility to the customers.  However, you must opt for a RuPay Debit Card if it is meeting your needs and requirements.

Q. What is RuPay Debit Card?
A. RuPay Debit Card is a plastic card that can be used as a method of payment that is issued by your bank where you have an account. This is the first-of-its-kind that has a global card payment network from India, with wide acceptance at various shops, ATMs, and online transactions.

Q. How does RuPay Debit Card work?
A. RuPay Debit Card is linked to a bank account and can be used in various ways such as to withdraw funds from an ATM, to shop at PoS, or for making an online purchase.

Q. What are the RuPay Debit Card benefits?
A. Some RuPay debit card benefits are: (i) secured and safe transactions with SMS alerts and notifications (ii) has a greater reach as customers in rural areas also apply (iii) provides inter-operability between payment channels.

Q. Which debit card is best – RuPay or Visa?
A. The best debit card can vary as per the individual as it can depend on your personal needs, spending patterns and eligibility. The best debit or credit card would be the one that offers benefits that align with your lifestyle.

Q. How to activate RuPay debit card?
A. You can activate your debit card through multiple channels, including at the ATM and by logging into your account through netbanking or phone banking. You may also visit the nearest bank branch or call customer care for assistance. You can either activate RuPay debit card by simply generating a new ATM PIN or making a card transaction.

Q. What is a RuPay global debit card?
A. RuPay global debit cards are international cards that are not only accepted in India, but also across the world. These cards often come with premium benefits to the cardholders as well.

Q. I have lost my RuPay Debit Card. What do I do?
A. In case of loss or theft of a RuPay Debit Card, make sure you report the loss to the respective issuing bank in order to block the card. To do so, you can either call the customer service, visit the nearest bank branch, log in to your net banking account, etc.

Q. I have applied for a RuPay Debit Card, how can I check the status of my RuPay Debit Card application?
A. In order to check the status of your RuPay Debit Card application, you may contact the bank in which you have applied for a RuPay Debit Card.

Q. Which banks offer RuPay Debit Cards?
A. Most Indian banks, like HDFC, State Bank of India (SBI), Axis, ICICI, Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BoB), and others offer RuPay debit card variants to their account holders. Moreover, many of the leading banks and issuers also offer RuPay credit cards which can now be linked to UPI apps.

Q. Is RuPay debit card better than Visa or Mastercard?
A. RuPay, Visa or Mastercard debit card variants come with varied features and benefits. RuPay debit cards have a vast domestic acceptance, but may have a comparatively lesser acceptance internationally when compared with the other 2 networks. However, the best debit card for each individual would differ as per their spending habits, eligibility and requirements.

Q. Can I use my RuPay Debit Card outside India for international transactions?
A. Yes, for RuPay, NPCI entered into a strategic partnership with Discover Financial Services to enable the acceptance of RuPay Global Cards to utilize the Discover, Diners Club International, and PULSE networks for international purchases and cash access outside India.

Q. What are the charges on RuPay debit card transactions?
A. Generally, Rupay debit cards do not charge any fee on transactions. However, you may find mentions of additional transaction fee or surcharge on debit or credit card payments on a few merchant platforms. This fee, if applicable, is usually nominal.

Q. Is RuPay debit card accepted in Google Play?
A. Yes, You can make app purchases on Google Play using your RuPay debit card.

Q. Which debit card is best in SBI Visa, RuPay or Mastercard?
A. All SBI debit cards come with unique features, benefits and eligibility criteria. The best SBI card, irrespective of the network, would be the one that matches with your spending patterns and requirements, and allows you to maximise the benefits.